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Implant Dentistry 101: Exploring the Different Options for Tooth Replacement

Are you considering replacing a missing tooth? You’re not alone – many adults in Springfield, Missouri, currently live with some form of tooth loss. Fortunately, modern implant dentistry provides various solutions to restore your smile and regain your confidence.

From bridges to dentures, implants offer you the chance to rebuild your smile from the ground up for an optimal result that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.

Read on as the implant dentistry specialists at Innovative Dental in Springfield take a closer look at today’s dental implant options, empowering you to make an informed decision about which choice is best for you.

Understanding Tooth Replacement

Losing a tooth can have a significant impact on both your oral health and self-confidence. Traditional tooth replacement options, such as dentures and bridges, are limited. Dentures may become loose or uncomfortable over time, while bridges require modifying adjacent teeth.

Dental implants, on the other hand, offer a more permanent and reliable solution.

Exploring Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium or zirconia posts surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth attached to them. Dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options:

    1. Durability and Longevity:Dental implants are designed to fuse with the jawbone, creating a sturdy and long-lasting support for replacement teeth. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.
    2. Natural Appearance and Functionality:Implants are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking smile. They also function like real teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
    3. Preservation of Jawbone and Facial Structure:The underlying jawbone can deteriorate when a tooth is lost. Dental implants stimulate bone growth, preventing jaw bone loss and preserving your facial structure.

Options for Dental Implants

Various types of dental implants are available to accommodate specific needs and situations. Innovative Dental in Springfield, MO, specializes in common implant options, including:

1. Single-Tooth Implants:

Single-tooth implants are an ideal solution for replacing a single missing tooth. The procedure involves the placement of an implant post into the jawbone, which serves as an artificial tooth root. A dental crown is then attached to the implant, mimicking the appearance and function of a natural tooth. Single-tooth implants offer exceptional stability and aesthetics.

2. Implant Bridges:

Implant bridges are an excellent option for replacing multiple adjacent missing teeth. This technique involves the placement of two or more dental implants into the jawbone, which serves as a support for a bridge of artificial teeth. Implant bridges provide superior strength and stability compared to traditional bridges, as they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. They restore the appearance, function, and bite alignment of missing teeth.

3. Implant-Supported Dentures:

Implant-supported dentures are an excellent solution if you’ve lost most or all of your teeth. All-on-4 and All-on-6 refer to techniques where a full arch of teeth is supported by only four or six dental implants, respectively.

A denture prosthesis is attached securely by strategically placing the implants in the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures provide enhanced stability, improved chewing ability, and a more natural-looking smile than traditional removable dentures.

Implant dentistry offers a comprehensive range of tooth replacement options, including single-tooth implants, implant bridges, and implant-supported dentures. Dental implants focus on durability, natural appearance, and functionality, providing a long-lasting solution that looks and feels like natural teeth. Implants offer advantages over traditional tooth replacement options, including stimulating bone growth and preserving facial structure.

When contemplating dental implants, seeking guidance from experts in implant dentistry is crucial. Their expertise will assist you in making an educated decision that will restore your smile and help you regain your confidence.

If you’re seeking affordable dental implants in Springfield, Missouri, look no further than Innovative Dental. Our experienced and highly trained team is committed to providing personalized and high-quality implant dentistry services. Whether you need a single tooth implant or a complete mouth restoration, we offer dental implant options tailored to your unique needs. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!